Lando Norris Targets Austrian Grand Prix To Put Pressure On Max Verstappen

Lando Norris seeks to be a party-wrecker this weekend when he takes on series leader and three-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen at his Red Bull team's home Austrian Grand Prix. After a series of impressive results including two consecutive second place finishes behind the Dutchman, the McLaren driver wants to trim his 69-point deficit in the title race. The 24-year-old Englishman believes he has the car and the confidence to put together a winning sequence himself. 

"We're on a roll and we're doing well," said Norris, adding he was frustrated by his own errors.

"I need to tidy up a few little bits and pieces and we'll be on top. I am confident. 

"Every weekend we go into now, the car is performing extremely well and we're always there, or thereabouts, within a couple of tenths."

He blamed himself for not winning from pole in last Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix after beating Verstappen in qualifying. 

Since winning the Miami Grand Prix in May, Norris has moved up a gear to become his friend's main rival for the title.

He has finished within four seconds or less of Verstappen at Imola, Montreal and Barcelona as he extended his run to 10 seconds in the last 23 races. 

However, he and McLaren know Verstappen will be strong and motivated by massed ranks of his 'orange army' on a track where he dominated last year as he stamped his supremacy on the season.

'Big strides'

This year has been different, however, and a close scrap is in prospect in the 11th round of the championship where a third sprint race this year may also spring a surprise. 

Red Bull's team boss Christian Horner warned his team are no longer having it their own way and said he expects a difficult weekend. 

"On such a short lap, it's going to be